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Thingbak A, Capobianco L, Wells A, O'Toole MS. Relationships between metacognitive beliefs and anxiety and depression in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 361:36-50. [PMID: 38815761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As hypothesized in the Self-Regulatory Executive Function (S-REF) model, metacognitive beliefs are associated with anxiety and depression in adults. An important question is the extent to which such effects are present in children and adolescents, with the implication that the model may also apply to young people. The aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize results on the nature and magnitude of associations between metacognitive beliefs and anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted to identify studies that investigated: (1) group differences in metacognitive beliefs in clinical compared to non-clinical samples or (2) correlations between metacognitive beliefs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. RESULTS Forty papers were identified comprising a total sample of 9,887 participants aged 7-18 years. Meta-analyses revealed that clinical samples endorsed significantly elevated metacognitive beliefs on four out of the five domains measured (i.e., negative beliefs about worry, cognitive confidence, need for control, and cognitive self-consciousness, with the only exception being positive beliefs about worry) compared to non-clinical samples with a small to large effect (Hedges' gs = 0.45-1.22). Moreover, all five domains of metacognitive beliefs were significantly and positively correlated with symptoms of anxiety and depression of a small to large effect (rs = .24-.53). Negative beliefs about worry showed the strongest relationship with clinical status and the magnitude of symptoms. LIMITATIONS The number of studies did not allow for an evaluation of metacognitive beliefs at a disorder-specific level. CONCLUSIONS In line with the S-REF model, our findings provide evidence of robust cross-sectional relationships between metacognitions and both anxiety and depression in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Thingbak
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Lora Capobianco
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Wells
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mia Skytte O'Toole
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark
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Schultz K, Kannis-Dymand L, Jamieson D, McLoughlin LT, Loughnan S, Allen A, Hermens DF. Examining the Longitudinal Relationship Between Metacognitive Beliefs and Psychological Distress in an Adolescent Population: A Preliminary Analysis. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01611-z. [PMID: 37831288 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01611-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period marked by significant vulnerability to the onset of mental health concerns. Within adults, the metacognitive model of psychological disorders advocates for the involvement of metacognitive beliefs in the onset, and maintenance, of psychopathology. The current study aimed to assess the applicability of the metacognitive model in adolescence by exploring the relationship, as well as the trajectory, between metacognitive beliefs and psychological distress. The longitudinal prospective cohort study investigated data from a community-based sample of participants aged 12 to 13. Self-report assessment measures of metacognitive beliefs, psychological distress, and somatic distress are reported across four time-points. Baseline assessments are reported for 70 participants, which reduced to 53 participants at time-point four. Correlational analyses demonstrated a significant relationship between overall metacognition, as well as negative metacognitive beliefs, and psychological distress at each of the four time-points. Generalised Estimating Equations found a significant association between metacognitive predictors and psychological distress over the four time-points. These results indicate that negative metacognitive beliefs, positive metacognitive beliefs, metacognitive beliefs related to superstition, punishment, and responsibility, low perceived levels of cognitive confidence and cognitive self-consciousness predict psychological distress over 12 months in adolescents aged 12 to 13. The strongest longitudinal correlational structure was found for the model of negative metacognitive beliefs and psychological distress. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the positive linear relationship between metacognitive beliefs and psychological distress in adolescence. The study provides an important contribution to understanding the role of metacognitive beliefs in the aetiology and perpetuation of psychological distress in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Schultz
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, Australia
| | - Lee Kannis-Dymand
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Jamieson
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Larisa T McLoughlin
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Siobhan Loughnan
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
- Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence, Mater Research Institute, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Allen
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, Australia.
| | - Daniel F Hermens
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
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Yu M, Lv F, Liu Z, Gao D. How negative automatic thoughts trigger Chinese adolescents’ social anxiety: The mediation effect of meta-worry. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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The effectiveness of a family-friendly program on parental meta-worry beliefs and health anxiety and social anxiety disorder in children. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02423-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Köcher LM, Schneider K, Christiansen H. Thinking about worry: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the assessment of metacognitions in children and adolescents. World J Psychiatry 2021; 11:635-658. [PMID: 34631466 PMCID: PMC8474992 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i9.635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metacognitive model of generalized anxiety disorder identifies three forms of metacognition: Positive metacognitive beliefs about worry (POS), negative metacognitive beliefs about worry (NEG), and meta-worry. Though this model was originally developed relying on adult samples, it has since been applied to children and youth in different studies, and results mostly support its validity for this group. As the roles of POS, meta-worry, and age-effects do not appear to be fully clarified for children and adolescents yet, an integration of studies on children and adolescents and the metacognitive model is both timely and worthwhile.
AIM To summarize the current research on relationships, age-effects, and measurements for POS, NEG, and meta-worry in childhood and youth.
METHODS We carried out a literature search in the electronic databases PsycINFO, PubMed, PSYNDEX, and ERIC in 2017 and updated in 2020. Empirical research in German or English language on metacognition was included with child and adolescent samples diagnosed with anxiety disorders or healthy controls if POS, NEG, or meta-worry were measured. Studies were included for meta-analysis if they reported correlations between these metacognitions and anxiety or worry. Consensus rating for eligibility was done for 20.89% of full-texts with 90.32% agreement. Risk of bias was assessed with the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies and consensus rating of appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies for 20.83% of included studies attaining agreement of intraclass correlation = 0.898. Overall, correlations between metacognitions, anxiety and worry were calculated with RevMan 5.4.1, assuming random-effects models. Meta-regressions with mean age as the covariate were performed via the online tool MetaMar 2.7.0. PROSPERO-ID: CRD42018078852.
RESULTS Overall, k = 763 records and k = 78 additional records were identified. Of those, k = 48 studies with 12839 participants were included and of those, k = 24 studies were included for meta-analysis. Most studies showed consistent NEG correlations with worry and anxiety, as well as higher values for clinical than for non-clinical samples. POS findings were less consistent. Meta-analysis revealed large effects for NEG correlating with worry and anxiety, small to medium effects for POS correlating with worry and anxiety, as well as small to medium effects for POS correlating with NEG. Meta-regressions did not reveal mean age as a significant covariate. Meta-worry was assessed in only one study. We identified eight questionnaires and one interview-format that assess metacognition about worry in children and adolescents.
CONCLUSION POS and NEG are measurable from the age of seven upwards and correlate with anxiety and worry without influences by age. Meta-worry requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Köcher
- Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg 35037, Germany
| | - Kai Schneider
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, University of Landau, Landau 76829, Germany
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Beaudequin D, Schwenn P, McLoughlin LT, Parker MJ, Broadhouse K, Simcock G, Boyes A, Kannis-Dymand L, Wood A, Lagopoulos J, Hermens DF. Using measures of intrinsic homeostasis and extrinsic modulation to evaluate mental health in adolescents: Preliminary results from the longitudinal adolescent brain study (LABS). Psychiatry Res 2020; 285:112848. [PMID: 32062518 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period when complex interactions occur between mental health risk factors. The Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study (LABS) commenced in 2018, to monitor environmental and psychosocial factors thought to influence mental health in 500 young people. Participants commence at 12 years of age, via a community-based recruitment model, and data is collected at 15 time-points over five years. This study examines demographic and psychosocial self-report data from time-point 1, for the first 50 participants. Here we investigate associations between environmental and psychosocial factors, considered as measures of intrinsic homeostasis and extrinsic modulation. Numerous strong correlations were found. Findings indicate that sleep dysfunction and social connectedness were strongly associated external modulators of intrinsic homeostasis in this sample of 12-year old participants. To successfully address the increase in mental health problems in young people, comprehensive evaluation of lifestyle and environmental risk factors is recommended in addition to medicalised approaches. Interventions to promote mental health wellbeing in young adolescents should include a focus on sleep quality and patterns and the positive and negative aspects of social connectedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Beaudequin
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia.
| | - Paul Schwenn
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Larisa T McLoughlin
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Marcella J Parker
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Kathryn Broadhouse
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Simcock
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Amanda Boyes
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Lee Kannis-Dymand
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Andrew Wood
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Jim Lagopoulos
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
| | - Daniel F Hermens
- Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience - Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya 4575, Australia
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Myers SG, Solem S, Wells A. The Metacognitions Questionnaire and Its Derivatives in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1871. [PMID: 31551843 PMCID: PMC6737041 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ) and its derivatives have been instrumental in research examining the Self-Regulatory Executive Function Model in adults. Studies testing whether findings are applicable to children and adolescents have been increasing and several different measures adapting the MCQ for younger populations have been developed. The current study aimed to systematically review the psychometric properties of MCQ measures or derivatives used in young people (aged 18 or less), to help assess current findings in this population and to guide future research in this growing area of investigation. Method: Systematic searches were carried out on PubMed and PsycINFO of studies published up to June 2018. Additional studies were identified through Google Scholar and article references. Validity, reliability, range and responsiveness of measures were examined as well as analyses of age and gender differences on scores. Results: Forty-five articles were identified. The total sample consisted of 7,803 children and adolescents (6,922 non-clinical, 881 clinical) aged 7-18. Studies used one of seven versions of the questionnaire, five adapted from the MCQ for younger populations: (1) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent version; (2) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child version; (3) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child Version-Revised; (4) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child-30; and (5) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-65 Positive Beliefs Scale Revised; and two adult versions used without adaptation: (1) The Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 and (2) The Cognitive Self Consciousness Scale-Expanded. The validity and reliability of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent version had the most extensive support. Other questionnaires had either mixed psychometrics or promising initial findings but more limited data. Conclusions: It is recommended that studies using adolescents (age 12-18) consider using the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Adolescent version. Based on initial data, it is suggested studies using younger populations should consider the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Child-30 but further psychometric research into this and other measures is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G. Myers
- Division of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Stian Solem
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Adrian Wells
- Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Prestwich, United Kingdom
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Hearn CS, Donovan CL, Spence SH, March S. Do worry and its associated cognitive variables alter following CBT treatment in a youth population with Social Anxiety Disorder? Results from a randomized controlled trial. J Anxiety Disord 2018; 53:46-57. [PMID: 29195187 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cate S Hearn
- School of Applied Psychology and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt Campus, Mount Gravatt, QLD, 4122, Australia.
| | - Caroline L Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt Campus, Mount Gravatt, QLD, 4122, Australia.
| | - Susan H Spence
- School of Applied Psychology and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt Campus, Mount Gravatt, QLD, 4122, Australia.
| | - Sonja March
- Institute for Resilient Regions & School of Psychology and Counselling, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, QLD, 4300, Australia.
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Lønfeldt NN, Silverman WK, Esbjørn BH. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Association Between Third-Wave Cognitive Constructs and Youth Anxiety. Int J Cogn Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1521/ijct.2017.10.2.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Donovan CL, Holmes MC, Farrell LJ, Hearn CS. Thinking about worry: Investigation of the cognitive components of worry in children. J Affect Disord 2017; 208:230-237. [PMID: 27792968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.09.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being extensively studied in adults, investigation of worry and it's associated cognitive variables remains in its infancy in paediatric samples. AIMS This study aimed to investigate 1) whether the child cognitive variables of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), positive beliefs about worry (PBW), negative beliefs about worry (NBW), negative problem orientation (NPO) and cognitive avoidance (CA) were associated with child worry, 2) whether parental worry and cognitive variables were associated with child worry, 3) whether the relationship between child and parent worry was mediated by child cognitive variables and 4) whether the relationships between specific parent cognitive factors and child worry were mediated by specific child cognitive factors. METHOD Participants were 114 children plus one of their parents. Parents and children completed questionnaires assessing each of the five cognitive variables and worry. RESULTS When examined together, child NBW and CA significantly predicted child worry. Parent worry, IU and CA were significantly and positively related to child worry. The relationship between parent worry and child worry was mediated by child NBW and CA. The relationship between parent IU, NPO and CA and child worry was mediated by child IU, NPO and CA respectively. CONCLUSIONS Child NBW and CA may be particularly important to child worry and may represent potential treatment targets. Parental worry and cognitive variables may play a role in the development and / or maintenance of child worry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline L Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt Campus, Mount Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia.
| | - Monique C Holmes
- School of Applied Psychology and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt Campus, Mount Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia.
| | - Lara J Farrell
- School of Applied Psychology and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
| | - Catherine S Hearn
- School of Applied Psychology and the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt Campus, Mount Gravatt, QLD 4122, Australia.
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A Disorder-Specific, Cognitively Focused Group Treatment for Childhood Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Development and Case Illustration of the No Worries! Program. J Cogn Psychother 2015; 29:275-301. [PMID: 32755939 DOI: 10.1891/0889-8391.29.4.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent, chronic, and costly mental disorder in children, and there is a comparative lack of research on specific treatments for GAD, relative to other anxiety disorders. Furthermore, treatment programs for child GAD, unlike those for adults, are almost uniformly transdiagnostic in nature and do not specifically target the cognitive variables (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty, negative beliefs about worry, cognitive avoidance, and negative problem orientation) demonstrated to be correlated with the disorder. However, helping children to understand and address these rather complex cognitive factors is difficult. This article describes the development of a disorder-specific, cognitively focused group treatment program for child GAD (the No Worries! Program) that aims to target the cognitive variables and symptoms correlated with the GAD. It provides a detailed discussion of the strategies taught to children and highlights some of the challenges involved. A case study is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving successful outcomes with complex presentations.
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